About Tony Pighetti

It all began with one man’s vision.

In October 2024, Santa Barbara lost more than a retired firefighter—we lost a hometown hero. A fierce advocate. A quiet leader. A man whose life was devoted to protecting those who protect us.

Tony Pighetti was equal parts gentle and fierce, deeply intentional with his time, and truly a friend to all. He wasn’t just admired—he was trusted. His devotion to his family, his friends, and his community was unwavering. And his mission was clear: to care for first responders not just in emergencies, but in the quiet moments after—the ones when the weight sets in.

As a retired firefighter, Tony understood what most couldn’t. He knew that beyond the physical dangers of the job, the invisible toll—of trauma, burnout, addiction, and hopelessness—often goes unspoken. First responders are trained to run toward crisis, but rarely taught how to process it afterward. Tony made it his work to change that.

He spent his career breaking down stigma and building up systems of care. He championed mental health support, opened dialogue around emotional resilience, and pioneered Peer Support programs long before they were widely adopted. He was a bridge—between departments, between people, between moments of crisis and healing. And with an uncanny knack for knowing what was needed and when, he helped families through grief, saved individuals falling through cracks in care, and reminded first responders that asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness.

Tony was nationally recognized for his leadership and multi-agency collaboration—but to those who knew him, his impact was far more personal. He made you feel seen. Heard. Safe.

The Pighetti Project exists because of him—and for those like him. To carry forward his legacy of care, action, and quiet heroism